Cambrian Cottages, an eco-friendly retreat nestled in the serene Cambrian Mountains of rural Carmarthenshire, has been recognised for its outstanding commitment to sustainability. Recently honoured with the ‘Bro y Byd’ (Going the Extra Mile) Sustainability Award at the National Tourism for Wales Awards, owners Peter and Libby have demonstrated a passion for environmental responsibility while creating a tranquil sanctuary for guests.
In April 2017, Peter and Libby discovered ‘Berllan,’ a once-dilapidated farmstead in Gwyddgrug. Their vision was to transform the site into a collection of contemporary, eco-friendly holiday cottages that celebrate Welsh heritage and sustainable living. After a long journey – including initial setbacks in securing the property, extensive renovations, and a full conversion – they officially opened their doors to guests in January 2023.
Cambrian Cottages is now a sought-after destination, offering guests a peaceful escape just half a mile from the main road, yet a world away from urban life. Sustainability remains at the heart of their business, with environmentally friendly building materials, air-source heat pumps, restored native habitats, and a strong focus on supporting local businesses.
Receiving the ‘Bro y Byd’ Sustainability Award was a humbling moment for Peter and Libby after only a year of operating. Their commitment to eco-friendly hospitality, honed over three decades of architectural sustainability experience, is evident in every aspect of Cambrian Cottages. The barns have been carefully insulated with sheep’s wool, heated with energy-efficient pumps, and furnished with durable, high-quality materials. Their dedication extends beyond the buildings, as they have restored the land by replanting native trees and reviving the property’s original pond – now a thriving wildlife habitat.
The award serves as both recognition and motivation, reinforcing their mission to provide a high-quality guest experience while treading lightly on the environment. Looking ahead, Cambrian Cottages aims to continue innovating, further reducing its carbon footprint, and deepening its engagement with the local community.
Since launching in January 2023, Cambrian Cottages quickly recognised the need for an efficient booking management system. Initially relying on iCal to link various OTA platforms, they found that the delays in updates risked double bookings. Seeking a reliable alternative, they turned to freetobook following a recommendation from hospitality experts and freetobook users, George and Linda Reid from Glangwili Mansion B&B.
Key benefits of freetobook for Cambrian Cottages include:
Looking forward, Cambrian Cottages plans to explore freetobook’s Messaging system to automate guest communication, enhancing efficiency while maintaining their personalised approach.
The next year will focus on increasing bookings and profitability, refining operational systems, and expanding their sustainability efforts. With the recent of their Green Tourism Business Gold Award, they remain committed to continuous improvement in environmental practices and community engagement.
Their long-term vision is clear: to honour the rich history of their Welsh landscape while leading the way in sustainable tourism.
For other accommodation providers exploring property management systems, Cambrian Cottages highlights several advantages of freetobook:
Cambrian Cottages exemplifies how a commitment to sustainability, combined with smart operational choices, leads to success in the hospitality industry. Their partnership with freetobook has played a key role in managing their bookings efficiently, allowing them to focus on providing an exceptional guest experience while championing eco-friendly tourism.
As they continue to evolve and expand, Cambrian Cottages stands as a shining example of how thoughtful sustainability and smart technology can create a truly special place to stay.
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